The 12th annual Duck Derby is less than two weeks away and although the event has long been a Bartow County tradition, this year is slated to be unique in its own right.

The derby benefits Advocates for Children and executive director and CEO Patty Eagar said the passion and energy invested in its success makes it special for everyone.

“Every year we are surprised by new, exciting ideas generated by our awesome flock of volunteers,” Eagar said.

Eagar said the hard work of event chair Nicole Hughes has been “unrivaled.”

“We can’t take away from the incredible work of our past chairs – they have all been exceptional – but even past chairs would likely agree that Nicole is an unstoppable (and very entertaining) force,” Eagar said.

Derby day kicks off with the Chik-fil-A Connect Race series May 18 at 8 a.m. at Cartersville Primary School. Runners may choose among a 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. and is $30 for the 10k and $25 for the 5K and the Fun Run.

All registered runners will receive a T-shirt and prizes will be awarded.

The derby will be at Riverside Day Use Park in Cartersville.

All-day derby activities will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while ducks race to the finish line for a chance at several prizes.

“We are also offering outstanding prizes this year,” Eagar said. “In addition to the fabulous Honda Fit donated by Honda Carland North, top prizes include a $1,000 shopping spree donated by West End Commons, a one-seater kayak from Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters, a two-seater kayak courtesy of Amanda Corbin Allstate Agency and an iPad from Cartersville WalMart. It will be really good to be a winner.”

Eagar said she hopes a great crowd turns out for the event.

“There can never be too many people joining us at Riverside Park,” Eagar said. “The larger the crowd, the more exciting the race becomes and more attendees means more ducks will be adopted — a very good thing.”

Eagar said the derby is a great family-friendly event that serves a greater purpose.

“The festival is a family-centered environment,” Eagar said. “More importantly, everything that Advocates does is about and for families. Duck Derby is essential to the continued success and availability of our programs. When one family adopts a duck, it enables us to improve life for another family in desperate need.”

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